Bicycle Mechanics - spoke length question

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nayr497
10-10-08, 10:43 AM
Using spocalc, and measuring with Verniers here is what I got:

FRONT WHEEL = 292.1mm (both left & right, which seems, to make sense with a symmetrical hub, right?)

REAR WHEEL = 291.5mm right; 291.4mm left

1) These are track hubs. Does it make sense that the front spoke needs to be longer? (maybe just my measuring error, as that is a small difference)

2) What length spoke would you order for the front? 292mm, 291mm, 290mm?

3) What length spoke would you order for the rear? 291mm or 290mm?

Maybe I can just get all 290s...

nayr497
10-10-08, 10:56 AM
Well, now I'm officially confused. But, I guess this is why people say to measure everything twice.

I just re-entered my numbers into spocalc and got this:

FRONT = 292.1mm (both sides)

REAR = 292.2mm (both sides)

I guess it makes some sense though...old rims were Mavic CXP 22s, with ERD of 597 via Mavic site. New rims are Open Pro with ERD of 602 (did add three for spocalc). Old spokes were 288mm. If new spokes are measuring out to be 292mm, that is around 4-5mm difference in the ERD.

**Okay, I guess that leaves me with one question: what length spokes for front & rear - 292, 291, or 290?
Silverexpress
10-11-08, 07:58 PM
From what I've read, shorter is better. You don't want the spokes to go beyond the head of the nipples.

frankenmike
10-11-08, 08:09 PM
I usually try to fudge on the short side, for reasons above. Bottom line though, you won't really know until you lace them up.
Ex Pres
10-11-08, 08:28 PM
Me, I'd buy 291 all around, unless I got a great deal on some 290s